Karnataka HC stays Bescoms Rs 8,800 smart meter demand; says it's optional under KERC rules
BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Friday issued an interim order of stay on the communication issued by a Bescom official, asking an applicant, who had applied for the conversion of a single-phase meter connection to a three-phase meter for her residential premises, to install a smart meter by spending Rs 8,800. Jayalakshmi, a resident of TB Narayanappa Layout in Doddaballapur, had filed an interlocutory application, seeking quashing of the communication dated April 2, 2025 issued by the Respondent No. 3 (Assistant Executive Engineer of Bescom, O&M sub-division, BESCOM, Doddaballapura Urban sub-division). She also prayed to declare that availing permanent smart meter connection is not mandatory as per the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (Pre-paid Smart Metering) Regulations, 2024. She contended that KERC says the smart meter is optional, but BESCOM has made it mandatory. The meter charges, which used to be Rs 2,000, have gone up to Rs 4,998 to Rs 28,080 depending on the type of meter, while it is Rs 900 in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam. After hearing, Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that KERC itself indicates that the installation of smart prepaid meters would be optional, except in temporary installations. The petitioner is not seeking temporary installation. The cost of Rs 8,510 is a huge burden on the consumer, the court observed. Ordering an interim stay on the impugned communication, the court issued notices to the respondents. It orally observed that the advocates say the cost is Rs 900 in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, UP and Chhattisgarh. Where should poor people in the state go? Is this the result of giving freebies, it asked.
Arumugan fourth wild-jumbo attack victim in Wayanad district in 14 months
KALPETTA: The recurring threat of man-animal conflict in Wayanad has intensified fear among residents of Poolakunnu Tribal Settlement in Erumakolli, after 67-year-old Arumugan Perumal was killed in a wild elephant attack near Meppadi. A resident of the tribal settlement, Arumugan became the fourth victim of a wild elephant in the district in the past 14 months. In February, 27-year-old Balakrishnan, son of Karuppan from the Erattukundu Paniya tribe at Attamala in Meppadi panchayat, lost his life in a similar attack. Manu, 45, of the Kappad Kattunayakan tribe in Chettyalathur, Noolpuzha, was also trampled by a wild elephant. Earlier this year, on January 8, 22-year-old Vishnu, a native of Karnataka, was killed by an elephant in the Pathiri Reserve Forest. A widower, Arumugan had been living alone in Meppadi while his two children reside in Tamil Nadu. Hailing from Tirunelveli, he had been working in the Elimbileri Estate for the past 30 years. On Thursday around 9 pm, Arumugan was attacked by an elephant just 200 metres from his home while returning after buying household items. We heard elephants nearby but never expected such a tragedy. When Arumugan didnt return, we searched and eventually found his body, said Krishnan, a local resident. The body was handed over to relatives on Friday after postmortem examination at Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital. An immediate relief of Rs 5 lakh was provided to the family. Angered by the increasing incidents of attacks, local residents staged a protest on Thursday night. The situation was brought under control after a meeting with South Wayanad Divisional Forest Officer Ajith K Raman. Nothing has changed in nine years since my father died in a similar attack, said Vishnu Prasad, a local resident. Elephants continue to roam in tea estates like Elimbileri, Kadur, and Chembra on the forest fringes. Workers live in constant fear. Arumugan was killed while returning home at night. Vishnu also alleged that despite assurances of Rs 10 lakh in compensation and a government job after his fathers death, his family received only Rs 5 lakh. Ive been following up with the forest department, but there has been no progress, he said. Following the latest incident, residents renewed demands for capturing the elephant using tranquilliser shots. Authorities have issued an order to tranquilise the elephant, subject to conditions. In the initial phase, efforts will be made to drive the elephants back into the forest using kumki elephants. If that fails, they will be captured with the help of kumki elephants from Muthanga.
Karnataka to conduct physiotherapy admissions through NEET, announces Minister Patil at Physiocon-25
BENGALURU: Admissions to physiotherapy courses will now be conducted through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), aligning with the national push for standardised medical education, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, announced on Friday during the inauguration of Karnataka Physiocon-25, an international physiotherapy conference. Until now, admissions to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) courses in Karnataka were based on Class 12 marks, with no centralised entrance exam. While the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) was used for admissions to many professional courses in the state, physiotherapy programs did not require it. Instead, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) managed the process, focussing on Class 12 marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The minister also announced an extension in the course duration to five years to ensure competence-based learning and deeper clinical exposure for students. The integration of physiotherapy courses under NEET will enhance academic quality and professional standards, Minister Patil said, addressing over 10,000 students at the event. He underscored the vital role physiotherapists play across the healthcare spectrum from childbirth to elderly care and highlighted their contributions in areas like neuro and orthopedic rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary care, pediatrics, disability support, sports medicine, fitness, and community-based care. The minister also highlighted plans to introduce physiotherapy courses in more government colleges to meet the increasing domestic and global demand for qualified professionals. Dr Yagna Shukla, Chairperson of the National Commission for Allied and Health Professionals, said the commission is working towards implementing a One Nation, One Curriculum initiative for physiotherapy education. She called the proposed curriculum reforms a golden standard that would benefit both students and practitioners by elevating the profession nationally. The conference saw participation from international experts from Israel, Australia, and Nepal, along with 50 national experts who shared their insights with the delegates. Over 800 research papers were also presented.
From grazing goats to cracking UPSC: Shepherd boy from Karnataka rises to rank 551
Birdev Siddhappa Dhone, from a humble shepherd community in Karnataka, achieved an All India Rank of 551 in the UPSC exam on his third attempt. Overcoming financial constraints and working as a postman, he quit his job to pursue his dream.
NIA conducts raids at 18 locations across 6 states in Pakistan arms smuggling case
NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted raids at multiple locations across Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka in connection with a case linked to Pakistan-backed cross-border smuggling of arms and narcotics by Khalistani operatives, officials said on Friday. According to the officials, during the raids conducted at 18 locations across the states, sleuths recovered several electronic devices and other incriminating materials, which are now being examined to unravel the conspiracy behind the smuggling and the radicalisation of individuals in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of India. The officials said the raids were conducted on Thursday at the premises of suspected individuals connected to Pakistan-based entities in the case, which was registered by the anti-terror federal agency on December 20, 2024. The NIA in its investigation has found that the suspects under the scanner are aligned with the ideology of proscribed unlawful associations and terrorist organisations, they said. The NIA in its probe also found that these entities have been conspiring via social media platforms, and are in regular contact with foreign-based handlers suspected to be Pro-Khalistani Elements (PKEs), as part of the conspiracy to destabilise India, the officials alleged.
Karnataka to outdo budget projections on economic growth for FY26: IndRa - Deccan Herald
Karnataka to outdo budget projections on economic growth for FY26: IndRa Deccan Herald
Take privilege displays off the road - Deccan Herald
Take privilege displays off the road Deccan Herald
Finding frogs in Karnataka's Bisle Ghat - Deccan Herald
Finding frogs in Karnataka's Bisle Ghat Deccan Herald
Cofeposa invoked against Ranya,1-yr preventive detention likely
Kasturirangan, the man of many missions, passes on
Re-evaluation impact: Tirthahalli girl is now topper in Science stream
Deeksha had scored 599/600 when the results were announced on April 8
Now you get to see which pipe runs where in your new house
If accused has to be denied liberty for graft-free society, so be it: Karnataka high court
REVALUATION: II PU science topper gains a mark, scores 600 on 600
Karnataka high court orders release of murder suspect for not providing arrest grounds details
Advocate, caretaker found dead in mysterious circumstances in rural Bengaluru
Bengaluru schools deny allegations of forced book purchases and fee hike
Bidar boy who missed CET over janivara row given 2 options
Karnataka welcomes NEET requirement for physiotherapy course admissions
Bengaluru road-rage case: HC fiat to police
My recent wins made me feel I've made a good comeback: Niranjan Mukundan
The Online Referral System in the state health insurance scheme of Karnataka, India: a digital tool to contribute to strategic purchasing World Health Organization (WHO)
Conservation & development: Kasturirangans vision on Western Ghats sparked decade-long debate
From nuclear deal to education policy, K Kasturirangans impact was felt far and wide
When Kasturirangan, as National Education Policy panel chief, defended language flexibility
Fare hike hits retail stores hard at Bengalurus Namma Metro stations
Pak Nationals Living in Karnataka Are Under Long Term Visa Scheme
These residents, many of whom are women married to Indian citizens, have been living in districts such as Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada for over a decade and do not fall under the purview of the latest notification, officials said
Armed gang threatens Bgavi realtors family in shocking home invasion
Students pin their hopes on temple hundi
Rescheduling and regulation of Vishwamanava Express
Villagers confront Centres team inspecting MGNREGA work in Maski
Kalyana Karnataka reels under severe heat; cries for state-specific disaster declaration
Upa Lokayukta registers suo motu complaints after surprise inspections in Davanagere
Monsoon and bus operations delay Hubballi bus stand renovation
Karnataka to observe State mourning on April 26 for late Pope Francis funeral - Daijiworld
Karnataka to observe State mourning on April 26 for late Pope Francis funeral Daijiworld
CCTV failure hampers crime probes in Chitradurga
Entrepreneur donates ambulance to coop hospital
Dont take coercive action against IAF officer: Karnataka high court
Legal storm brews over Greater Bengaluru Act; civil society, BJP likely to move court
Cauvery Aarti blueprint in a week, launch likely during Dasara, says deputy chief minister
Bengaluru road rage case: Karnataka High Court directs cops to take no coercive action against IAF officer Deccan Herald
The decision of Bescom is contrary to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commissions regulation, the court pointed out
Assam chief minister announces 250 crores for Gauhati University development and student empowerment
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a Rs. 250 crore grant for the holistic development of Gauhati University, urging students to embrace new-age technologies like AI and VR. He encouraged graduates to seize opportunities in sectors ranging from semiconductors to eco-tourism, envisioning a New Assam that surpasses Maharashtra and Karnataka in development.
Public TVs Vidhyapeeta education expo: Visit on the first day itself and win a laptop Public TV English
COFEPOSA Act invoked against Ranya Rao
If the High Court upholds the order, she will be kept under preventive detention for one year without bail
Kasturirangan mentored future Indian space leaders, recall scientists
Fewer than five Pakistani nationals in Karnataka to be affected by visas being revoked
Milk production likely to rise in Karnataka, pressureon govt to increase incentive for farmers
Waqf Notice to Century Old Hostel In Mysuru, Draws Flak
The Karnataka State Waqf Board has issued a notice staking claim to the 109-year-old Narayana Shettar Dharma Students Home land in Mysuru, prompting protests from the managing Trust
Bengaluru Metro operations from 3.30am for tomorrows 10k run
Basava Jayanthi to be celebrated in Parliament
Court convicts driver and owner of tempo for 2010 Undabatti lake tragedy in Mysuru
Six Bajrang Dal activists detained for pasting Pakistan flag stickers condemning terror
Police investigation reveals that the activists did it without prior permission for protest
Survey of SC families in Mysuru in May: ZP CEO
Shankara Jayanti in Belagavi on May 2
Cotton reduced to ashes as major fire breaks out in godown in Bidar
Veerashaiva and Lingayat organisations to jointly celebrate Basava Jayantiin Belagavi
No one should play politics over terror attack, says Sharad Pawar
Centre should take a stern action against terror, he says
Upalokayukta directs officer to submit detailed report on Shanthi Sagar Lake
Veerappa also emphasises the need for farmers to join hands with the government in the preservation of the lake in Davangere district
South Korean firm 3C Tae Yang explores setting up electronics unit in Kalaburagi
The development comes to light during a high-level business interaction hosted by the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Waqf Boards claim results in protest
Police book son of JD(S) MLA, others for vandalising toll gate in Deodurg
Karnataka Minister MB Patil seeks Centres backing to boost logistics infrastructure in state Hindustan Times
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are modernising chemical industry
Caste Census Karnataka: Delay in Implementation Raises Questions for CM Siddaramaiah - Deccan Herald
Caste Census Karnataka: Delay in Implementation Raises Questions for CM Siddaramaiah Deccan Herald
Basaveshwar Rural Education and Development Trust will now offer courses in BCA at Sattur
Dharwad gets new BCA college - The Hindu
Dharwad gets new BCA college The Hindu
Central University secures the prestigious ANRF-PAIR grant as Spoke Institute
An initiative of Anusandhan National Research Foundation, it comes as a major boost to the universitys research capabilities
Blueprint for Cauvery aarti will be ready in a week: Karnataka DyCM
Mandya: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said a blueprint for the Cauvery aarti programme would be ready within a week, with plans to start it this Dasara. Addressing a press conference after a meeting with elected representatives and officials on the Cauvery aarti, he said, We have formed a committee, led Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Speaker Khader visits Manjunath Raos family in Shivamogga
Karnataka: NEET mandatory for physiotherapy courses, says Minister
Tributes paid to Rajkumar on his 97th birth anniversary in Kalaburagi
Trade unions demand repeal of four labour codes
Vishwanath questions utility of outstation Cabinet meetings
Blueprint for Cauvery aarti will be ready in a week: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar - Hindustan Times
Blueprint for Cauvery aarti will be ready in a week: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar Hindustan Times
Blueprint for Cauvery Aarti will be ready in a week: D.K. Shivakumar
Karnataka cabinet approves action on recommendations of COVID-19 inquiry commission's 2nd report Hindustan Times
Caste census aimed at promoting social justice, not targeted against anyone: Siddaramaiah
KSRTC suspends conductor for assaulting sleeping woman on bus after viral video
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) recently suspended a conductor for sexually assaulting a woman who was asleep on the bus. The shocking case caused outrage after an undated video of the act went viral on social media. The incident took place on a bus plying on the Mudipu-State Bank route near Mangalore, where Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bengaluru Neurosurgeon Booked For Allegedly Throwing Stray Dog From Second Floor Of Apartment, Animal Succumbs Oneindia
Firefly Review: Impresses Visually but Falls Flat on Comedy - Deccan Herald
Firefly Review: Impresses Visually but Falls Flat on Comedy Deccan Herald
NEET Mandatory For Physiotherapy Courses: Karnataka Minister
The course duration has been extended to five years.
ED raids properties linked to Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni in Karnataka
Enforcement Directorate searched premises related to Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni in Karnataka. The action follows allegations linking him to Aishwarya Gowda, accused of cheating a jeweller. Kulkarni claims harassment and political targeting. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the raids as political vendetta. He questioned why ED does not target BJP leaders. Kulkarni denied any financial dealings with Aishwarya Gowda.
Doctor, nurse suspended after new mothers death
Events today - April 25: Nalwadi Social, Cultural and Educational Trust and Kannada & Culture Department Directorate, Bengaluru Star of Mysore
Karnatakas industries minister calls for efforts to cut steel logistics costs
Karnataka's industries minister advocates for reducing steel logistics costs to 8% of GDP, emphasizing the state's crucial role in India's metallurgical economy. He urges Union Government support for infrastructure development, including seaports, industrial clusters, and transport networks. Karnataka is committed to building a digitally empowered, multimodal, and sustainable logistics ecosystem for the steel sector.
Free education for visually challenged girls in Mysuru
Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abledhas invited applications for admissions in the ensuing academic year
